Pros

Excellent, stable company. A strong sense of family in many areas. Giving back to the community is an important part of the culture. The work is challenging and rewarding, though this has slowed somewhat as Valero is no longer growing through acquisitions.

Cons

The company tends to run lean from a personnel standpoint. Too much work, and not enough people to do it. There are some downsides of being in a very mature industry. A very large company, but still run like a small one in many respects.

Advice to Senior Management

Bill Klesse is definitely the right person to be leading Valero at this time. Some areas of the company, like I/S, seem to be dying on the vine.